FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A SUSPENSION DEVICE OF A VEHICLE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a suspension device of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, vehicles are equipped with a shock-absorber or suspension device. The suspension device is configured to isolate the rider from road shocks and vibrations, making the ride more comfortable. The suspension device allows for upward and downward movement of the wheels to absorb shocks and vibrations from rough and uneven roads while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, the suspension device provides a stable wheel contact with the ground, improving control and steerability.
The suspension device, in general, includes a housing connectable to a vehicle chassis and wheel assembly of the vehicle. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the lower housing is slidable within the upper housing. Further, the housing defines a chamber configured to store a damping fluid. The suspension device further includes a piston connectable to the upper housing and is configured to reciprocate within the lower housing. The damping fluid is configured to damp the vibration from the wheels and absorb shock. However, during motion of the vehicle in extreme uneven roads, at least one chamber may be subjected to high pressure, resulting in failure of the suspension device.
With the advent of technology, to enhance the damping effect and to effectively absorb shock, various attempts have been made to modify configuration of the suspension device. Furthermore, conventional dampening devices are often configured to only absorb undulations or vibrations of a predefined velocity. When the vehicle travels over paths which induce vibrations of greater velocities, the conventional dampening devices often tend to fail as the devices are often not equipped to handle vibrations of greater velocities. Further, conventional devices that are often configured to either absorb and dampen vibrations or lower velocities or higher velocities. Consequently, multiple suspension devices may often have to be used in vehicles to dampen a broad spectrum of vibrations. Furthermore, employing a single dampening system for dampening vibrations of lower velocities may often damage the dampening devices when vibrations of higher velocities are induced. In such conventional suspension device, there may a possibility of oil leakage when the damping fluid is subjected

to a higher pressure. Consequently, there may be an excessive rise in temperature within the chamber due to high pressure. Such high pressure and excessive temperature may affect performance of the suspension device whereby requiring frequent servicing or replacement of the suspension device.
The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the conventional suspension device are overcome by a suspension device of a vehicle, as described. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a suspension device of a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension device includes an upper housing defining a first chamber, a lower housing defining a second chamber and is slidable within the upper housing. The device includes a piston rod suspended within and connected to one end portion of the upper housing. The device also includes a piston connected to an end of the piston rod and reciprocally housed within the lower housing. The piston further includes a plate defined at a bottom end of the piston. The plate is configured to define a third chamber in the piston. A fluid flow regulator is positioned on the plate and the fluid flow regulator selectively couples the first chamber with the second chamber. The fluid flow regulator includes a body, a first valve disposed at a bottom end of the body, the first valve is operable to fluidly couple the second chamber with the third chamber when the pressure in the second chamber exceeds a predefined pressure. A second valve is disposed at a top end of the body, and the second valve is operable to fluidly couple the second chamber with the third chamber when the pressure in the second chamber exceeds the predefined pressure.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body of the fluid flow regulator is defined by a first inlet and a second outlet at the bottom end of the housing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body of the fluid flow regulator is defined by a first outlet and a second inlet at the top end of the housing.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body is defined by a first flow path extending between the first inlet and the first outlet of the housing, where the first flow path interlinks the second chamber with the third chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body is defined by a second flow path extending between the second inlet and the second outlet of the body, where the second flow path interlinks the third chamber with the second chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first valve is positioned at the first inlet of the body and extends in a direction parallel to the first axis of the fluid flow regulator.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second valve is positioned at the second inlet of the body and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of the fluid flow regulator.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, extensions are defined on an outer surface of the body. The extensions are defined between the first outlet and the bottom end of the body, and the extensions are defined between the first inlet and the bottom end of the body.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of grooves is defined between the plate and inner walls of the piston, fluidly coupling the second chamber and the third chamber.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the piston rod is connected to the fluid flow regulator and the plate.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further

objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of suspension devices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a central cut sectional view of suspension device in a non-compressed condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a magnified sectional view of the piston from the Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a central cut sectional view of suspension device in a compressed condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the suspension device illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the suspension device, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will

be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the suspension device of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicles including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and among others. However, no vehicle is illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure is for the purpose of simplicity.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.
The phrase “fluidically connected” used in the disclosure signifies the transfer of fluid from one component/element to another directly by means of groves, channels, cuts, trench, and among others, or indirectly by means of intermediate components/elements, such as, but not limited to hoses, channels, canals, tubes, and among others.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, the suspension device of a vehicle is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral (100). The suspension device (100) may be operatively associated with the vehicle [not shown]. It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular vehicle and may be employed in a myriad of category of vehicles including, but not limited to, commercial vehicles, passengers, vehicles, and among others.
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the suspension device (100) includes an upper housing (1) and a lower housing (2). The upper housing (1) may define a hollow chamber and the same may be further referred to as a first chamber (1c). The lower housing (2) may also define a hollow chamber and the same may be further referred to as a second chamber (2c). In an embodiment, the upper housing (202) and the lower housing (203) being defined with a profile, such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical profile, a square profile, a rectangular profile, a cuboidal profile, a polyhedral profile, and among others. The lower housing (2) is slidable

within the upper housing (1). The suspension device (100) further includes a piston rod (3) suspended within and connected to a top end portion (1a) of the upper housing (1) by at least one of fastening, press fitting, cotter joining, welding, brazing, soldering, riveting, and among others. The piston rod (3) may be configured to extend throughout the length of the upper housing (1) and the lower housing (2) along a first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). In an embodiment, the first axis (A-A) may be defined as the axis that extends vertically along the length of the suspension device (100).
Referring to the Figure 2 and Figure 3, the suspension device (100) includes a piston (4) connected to an end of the piston rod (3). The piston (4) is configured to reciprocate inside the lower housing (2) on movement of the lower housing (2) relative to the upper housing (1). The piston (4) may further define a third chamber (9) and the third chamber (9) of the piston (4) may lie within the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2). The piston (4) may further include a plate (5). The plate (5) may be fixed to a bottom end (4b) of the piston (4) and the plate (5) may enclose the bottom end (4b) of the piston (4). The plate (5c) may be defined with a plurality of holes and the plurality of holes may be configured to fluidly couple the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2) with the third chamber (9) of the piston (4). Further, a circumferential notch with a central depressed region may also be defined on either side i.e., a top side and a bottom side of the plate (5). Furthermore, the as seen from the Figure 3, the plate (5) may be coupled to the bottom end (4b) of the piston (4) such that a plurality of grooves (18) [hereinafter referred to as the grooves] may be defined between the piston (4) and the plate (5). The grooves (18) may be herein defined as the predefined distance between the outer surface of the plate (5) and the inner surface of the piston (4) at the bottom end (4b) of the piston (4). The grooves (18) may also be configured to fluidly couple the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2) with the third chamber (9) of the piston (4).
The suspension device (100) may further include a fluid flow regulator (6). The fluid flow regulator (6) may be defined by a body (10) and the body (10) may be positioned on the plate (5). In an embodiment, the body (10) may be positioned in the depressed region between the circumferential notch of the plate (5). In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the body (10) may be lesser than the inner diameter of the piston (4) and the body (10) may be fixedly coupled with one end of the piston rod (3). The body (10) may be accommodated within the third chamber (9) of the piston (4) and the body (10) may be configured to move along with the piston (4).

The body (10) may be defined with a first inlet (11) and first outlet (12). The first inlet (11) may be an opening that is defined at a bottom end (10b) of the body (10). Further, the first inlet (11) of the body (10) may be aligned with one of the holes of the plurality of holes defined on the plate (5) and the first inlet (11) may extend in a direction parallel to the first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). The first inlet (11) may be configured to extend longitudinally through the bottom wall and through the bottom end (10b) of the body (10). The first inlet (11) may be fluidly coupled with the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2) through one of the holes of the plurality of holes on the plate (5). Further, the first outlet (12) may be oriented to extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). The first outlet (12) may extend laterally through one of the side walls of the body (10). The first outlet (12) may be a cutout that extends into the body (10) of the fluid flow regulator (6). Furthermore, the first outlet (12) may be configured at the top end (10a) of the body (10).
The body (10) may be further defined with a first flow path (15) that extends longitudinally through the body (10) and along a direction that is parallel to the first axis (A-A). The first flow path (15) may extend from the bottom end (10b) of the body (10) towards the top end of the body (10). The first flow path (15) may be configured to fluidly couple the first inlet (11) with the first outlet (12). The first flow path (15) may extend between the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2) and the third chamber (9) of the piston (4). The first flow path (15) may fluidly couple the second chamber (2c) and the third chamber (9). The first flow path (15) may be a hollow cutout defined within the body (10) that extends between the first inlet (11) and the first outlet (12) of the body (10). The first fluid path (15) may be configured to direct the fluid from the second chamber (2c) to the third chamber (9).
The fluid flow regulator (6) may also include a first valve (7). The first valve (7) may be of any type including but not limited to a spring biased valve. The first valve (7) may be positioned at the first inlet (11) of the body (10). The first valve (7) may be configured to enclose the first inlet (11) of the body (10). The first valve (7) may be configured to open/retract when the pressure of the fluid within the second chamber (2c) exceeds a predefined threshold pressure. As seen from the Figure 3, the first valve (7) may be positioned at a bottom end of a connector that extends from the top end (10a) of the body (10) to the bottom end (10b) of the body (10). The above positioning of the first valve (7) through the connector must not be considered as a limitation and the first valve (7) may be positioned to close the first inlet (11) of the body (10) through other mechanisms or connections. The first valve (7) may extend downwardly into the

first inlet (11) and into one of the holes of the plurality of holes defined in the plate (5). The first valve (7) may be configured to selectively retract into the first flow path (15) when the pressure in the second chamber (2c) exceeds beyond the predefined threshold pressure. As the fluid pressure in the second chamber exceeds the predefined threshold pressure, the first valve (7) retracts into the first flow path (15) and thereby opens the first inlet (11). The high-pressure fluid from the second chamber (2c) thus flows through the holes in the plate (5) and through the first inlet (11) of the body (10) into the first flow path (15) of the body (10). The pressurized fluid from the second chamber (2c) further flows through the first outlet (12) of the body (10) into the third chamber (9).
The body (10) may be further defined with a second inlet (13) and second outlet (14). The second inlet (13) may be oriented to extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). The second inlet (13) may extend laterally through one of the side walls of the body (10). The second inlet (13) may be a cutout that extends into the body (10) of the fluid flow regulator (6). Furthermore, the second inlet (13) may be configured at the top end (10a) of the body (10). The second inlet (13) may be oriented to lie diametrically opposite to first outlet (12) of the body (10).
The second outlet (14) may be an opening that is defined at a bottom end (10b) of the body (10). Further, the second outlet (14) of the body (10) may be aligned with one of the holes of the plurality of holes defined on the plate (5) and the second outlet (14) may extend in a direction parallel to the first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). The second outlet (14) may be configured to extend longitudinally through the bottom wall and through the bottom end (10b) of the body (10). The second outlet (14) may be fluidly coupled with the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2) through one of the holes of the plurality of holes on the plate (5). The second outlet (14) may be configured or oriented to lie diametrically opposite to the first inlet (11) of the body (10).
The body (10) may be further defined with a second flow path (16) that extends longitudinally through the body (10) and along a direction that is parallel to the first axis (A-A). The second flow path (16) may extend from the bottom end (10b) of the body (10) towards the top end of the body (10). The second flow path (16) may be configured to fluidly couple the second inlet (13) with the second outlet (14). The second flow path (16) may extend between the third chamber (9) of the piston (4) and the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2). The second

flow path (16) may fluidly couple the third chamber (9) and the second chamber (2c). The second flow path (16) may be a hollow cutout defined within the body (10) that extends between the second inlet (13) and the second outlet (14) of the body (10). The second flow path (16) may be configured to direct the fluid from the third chamber (9) to the second chamber (2c). In an embodiment, the second flow path (16) may be oriented to lie opposite to the first flow path (15) of the body (10).
The fluid flow regulator (6) may also include a second valve (8). The second valve (8) may be of any type including but not limited to a spring biased valve. The second valve (8) may be positioned at the second inlet (13) of the body (10). The second valve (8) may be configured to enclose the second inlet (13) of the body (10). The second valve (8) may be configured to open/retract when the pressure of the fluid within the third chamber (9) exceeds a predefined threshold pressure. The second valve (8) may be positioned proximal to the top end (10a) of the body (10). The second valve (8) may be oriented to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (A-A) of the suspension device (100). Furthermore, the second valve (8) may be positioned at an end of the connector that extends laterally from an internal wall of the body (10). The above positioning of the second valve (8) through the connector must not be considered as a limitation and the second valve (8) may be positioned to close the second inlet (13) of the body (10) through other mechanisms or connections.
The second valve (8) may extend laterally or sideways into the second inlet (13). The second valve (8) may be configured to selectively retract into the second flow path (16) when the pressure in the third chamber (9) exceeds beyond the predefined threshold pressure. As the fluid pressure in the third chamber (9) exceeds the predefined threshold pressure, the second valve (8) retracts into the second flow path (16) and thereby opens the second inlet (13). The high-pressure fluid from the third chamber (9) thus flows through the second inlet (13) of the body (10) into the second flow path (16) of the body (10). The pressurized fluid from the third chamber (9) further flows through the second outlet (14) of the body (10) into the second chamber (2c).
The body (10) of the fluid flow regulator (6) may further include a plurality of extensions (17). The plurality of extensions (17) [hereinafter referred to as the extensions] may extend outwardly from the side walls of the body (10). The extensions (17) may be positioned or defined between the first outlet (12) and the bottom end (10b) of the body (10). The extensions

(17) may also be positioned or defined between the second inlet (13) and the bottom end (10b)
of the body (10). The extensions (17) may be defined on the outer surface of the side walls on
the body (10) such that the extensions (17) protrude towards the inner walls of the piston (4).
The extensions (17) may extend for a predefined length such that the flow of fluid from the
third chamber (9) to second chamber (2c) is controlled or restricted and the movement of the
piston (4) within the second chamber (2c) is controlled. The working of the suspension device
(100) is explained below.
As the vehicle travels over undulations on the road, the vibrations are transmitted to at least one of the upper housings (1) and the lower housing (2). The vibrations cause the movement of at least one of the upper housings (1) and the lower housing (2). In an embodiment, the lower housing (2) moves upwardly and travels within the first chamber (1c) of the upper housing (1) when the vehicles travels over a hump/bump. As the vehicle travels over the undulation on the road, the piston (4) in the lower housing (2) travels proximal to a lower end of the lower housing (2). As the piston (4) travels proximal to the lower end of the lower housing (2), the fluid within the lower housing (2), the fluid within the second chamber (2c) is pressurized or compressed. The fluid is partially trapped between the plate (5) at the bottom end (4b) of the piston (4) and the lower end of the lower housing (2). As the piston (4) further travels downwards [seen from Figure 4] due to the vehicle travelling over the undulations, the piston (4) pressurizes the fluid in the second chamber (2c) of the lower housing (2). When the undulation or the bump on the road is minor in nature or when the suspension device (100) is subjected to a velocity of around 1 m/s due to the vehicle traversing over the undulation, the fluid in the second chamber (2c) is forced through the grooves (18) between the outer surface of the plate (5) and the inner surface of the piston (4). The fluid is further forced through the extensions (17) on the side walls of the body (10) and the fluid is directed into the third chamber (9). The extensions (17) on the body (10) provide resistance to the flow of fluid from the second chamber (2c) and into the third chamber (9). Further, the above configuration of the suspension device (100) where the fluid is directed from the second chamber (2c) and into the third chamber (9) through the grooves
(18) and through the extensions (17) results in the dampening of the vibrations from the vehicle
traversing on undulations. In an embodiment, the above configuration of the suspension device
(100) with the extensions (17) of the body (10) provide the required dampening to bumps which
induce the movement with velocity of 1 m/s on the suspension device (100).

Further, when the vehicle travels over large bumps or undulations at greater speeds, the suspension device (100) is subjected to movement with velocities of around 1.5 m/s. When the suspension device (100) is subjected to higher velocities of 1.5 m/s, the piston (4) moves downwardly [seen from the Figure 4] towards the bottom end of the lower housing (2) at greater velocities. Consequently, the piston (4) causes the fluid in the second chamber (2c) to be subjected to greater pressure. Further, when the suspension device (100) is exposed to velocities greater than 1.5 m/s, the fluid is pressurized to a greater extent. When the pressure in the second chamber (2c) exceeds a predefined threshold pressure, the excessive pressure causes the first valve (7) at the first inlet (11) to be retracted or pushed into the first flow path (15). Therefore, the first inlet (11) is open and the fluid flows through the holes on the plate (5) and through the first inlet (11) of the body (10) into the first flow path (15) of the body (10). The fluid further flows through the first outlet (12) from the first flow path (15) into the third chamber (9). Further, as the fluid is directed from the second chamber (2c) into the third chamber (9), the pressure in the second chamber (2c) reduces and the first valve (7) closes as the pressure in the second chamber (2c) falls below the predefined threshold pressure. Thus, the above configuration of the fluid flow regulator directs the fluid from the second chamber (2c) to the third chamber (9) when the vehicle travels over large bumps at great speeds which induce velocities greater than 1.5 m/s on the suspension device (100).
Furthermore, as the vehicle travels over another bump at greater speeds, the suspension device (100) is again subjected to movement with velocities of around 1.5 m/s. When the suspension device (100) is subjected to higher velocities of 1.5 m/s, the piston (4) again moves downwardly [seen from Figure 4] towards the bottom end of the lower housing (2) and pressurizes the fluid in the second chamber (2c). When the pressure in the second chamber (2c) again exceeds the predefined threshold pressure, the excessive pressure causes the first valve (7) at the first inlet (11) to be retracted or pushed into the first flow path (15) again. Therefore, the fluid flows through the first outlet (12) from the second chamber (2c) into the third chamber (9).
Further, as the fluid repeatedly travels into the third chamber (9), the pressure in the third chamber (9) also increases. As the pressure in the third chamber (9) exceeds beyond the predefined threshold pressure, the second valve (8) at the second inlet (13) retracts into the second fluid path (16), thereby opening the second inlet (13). The pressurized fluid from the third chamber (9) flows through the second inlet (13 into the second flow path (16). The fluid flow from the second flow path (16) into the second chamber (2c) through the second outlet

(14). Thus, the pressure in the third chamber (9) is relieved and a cyclic fluid flow arrangement is configured where the fluid flows between the second chamber (2c) and the third chamber (9). In an embodiment, the controlled/selectively restricted fluid flow between the second chamber (2c) and the third chamber (9) provides the required dampening of vibrations.
In an embodiment, as the vehicle travels through the bumps on the road, the first valve (7) may open or retract in the above-described manner. Further, the traversing of the vehicle over the bump may also cause the frame of the vehicle to exert force onto the upper housing (1) and the piston (4) may be further travel within the second chamber (2c) due to the force exerted by the upper housing (1). Consequently, the pressure in the third chamber (9) may increase and the second valve (8) may be opened. Thus, in an embodiment, the second valve (8) may open subsequent to the opening of the first valve (7). Therefore, the fluid may flow in a cyclic manner between the second chamber (2c) and the third chamber (9). In an embodiment, the fluid may initially flow from the third chamber (9) to the second chamber (2c) when the vehicle travels over a pothole. The lower housing (2) may travel away from the upper housing (1) and the fluid in the piston (4) may be forced from the third chamber (9) into the second chamber (2c).
In an embodiment, the above configuration of the suspension device (100) may be configured to dampen vibrations on a broad spectrum. The extensions (17) on the body (10) of the suspension device (100) may be configured to dampen the vibrations which induce velocity of around 1 m/s on the suspension device (100). In an embodiment, the fluid flow regulator (6) may be configured to dampen the vibrations which induce velocity greater than 1.5 m/s on the suspension device (100). Thus, a single suspension device (100) may be configured to dampen vibrations of high and low frequency/intensity. Thus, possibility of oil leakage when the damping fluid is subjected to a higher pressure is minimized by the provision of the fluid flow regulator (6). Consequently, scenarios such as excessive rise in temperature within the chamber due to high pressure are reduced. Therefore, the overall operational life of the suspension device (100) is improved.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a suspension device (200)) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to device that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in

the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a suspension device (200) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to pistons that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERICALS

Numerical Particulars
1 Upper housing
1a Top end portion
1c First chamber
2 Lower housing
2c Second chamber
3 Piston rod
3a One end of the piston rod
4 Piston
4a Top end
4b Bottom end
5 Plate
6 Fluid flow regulator
7 First valve
8 Second valve
9 Third chamber

10
Body
11 First inlet
12 First outlet
13 Second inlet
14 Second outlet
15 First flow path
16 Second flow path
17 Extensions
18 Grooves
100 Suspension device

We claim:
1. A suspension device (200) of a vehicle, the suspension device (200) comprising:
an upper housing (1) defining a first chamber (1c), a lower housing (2) defining a second chamber (2c) and is slidable within the upper housing (1);
a piston rod (3) suspended within and connected to top end portion (1a) of the upper housing (1);
a piston (4) connected to an end of the piston rod (3a) and reciprocally housed within the lower housing (2), wherein the piston (4) comprises:
a plate (5) defined at a bottom end (4b) of the piston (4), the plate (5) configured to define a third chamber (9) in the piston (4);
a fluid flow regulator (6) positioned on the plate (5), wherein the fluid flow regulator (6) selectively couples the second chamber (2c) with the third chamber (9), the fluid flow regulator (6) comprises: a body (10);
a first valve (7) disposed at a bottom end (10b) of the body (10), the first valve (7) is operable to fluidly couple the second chamber (2c) with the third chamber (9) when the pressure in the second chamber (2c) exceeds a predefined pressure; and
a second valve (8) disposed at a top end (6a) of the body (10), the second valve (8) is operable to fluidly couple the second chamber (2c) with the third chamber (9) when the pressure in the second chamber (2c) exceeds the predefined pressure.
2. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (10) of the fluid flow regulator (6) is defined by a first inlet (11) and a second outlet (14) at the bottom end (10b) of the body (10).
3. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (10) of the fluid flow regulator (6) is defined by a first outlet (12) and a second inlet (13) at the top end (10a) of the body (10).
4. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (10) is defined by a first flow path (15) extending between the first inlet (11) and the first outlet (12) of

the body (10), wherein the first flow path (15) interlinks the second chamber (2c) with the third chamber (9).
5. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (10) is defined by a second flow path (16) extending between the second inlet (13) and the second outlet (14) of the body (10), wherein the second flow path (16) interlinks the third chamber (9) with the second chamber (2c).
6. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first valve (7) is positioned at the first inlet (11) of the body (10) and extends in a direction parallel to the first axis of the fluid flow regulator (6).
7. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second valve (8) is positioned at the second inlet (13) of the body (10) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of the fluid flow regulator (6).
8. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising extensions (17) defined on an outer surface of the body (10), the extensions (17) defined between the first outlet (12) and the bottom end (10b) of the body (10), and the extensions (17) defined between the second inlet (13) and the bottom end (10b) of the body (10).
9. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of grooves (18) is defined between the plate (5) and inner walls of the piston (4), fluidly coupling the second chamber (2c) and the third chamber (9).
10. The suspension device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston rod (3) is connected to the fluid flow regulator (6) and the plate (5).